What if the dreaded corrective action process could be transformed into a beacon of opportunity? Join us as we introduce and explore the "Four I's of the Corrective Action Process" concept. This fresh approach transforms common sense ideas into a memorable strategy that enhances the understanding of the process while keeping continual improvement a…

This episode explores the development and significance of the new AASHTO R 119 standard, officially titled “Standard Practice for Grinding the Ends of Cylindrical Concrete Specimens.” Brian shares his firsthand experience in creating this standard, highlighting the collaborative efforts with various state DOTs and the importance of standardizing co…

This burning question is at the heart of our latest episode, where we unravel the complexities of choosing the right organization for aggregate and rebar evaluations. We navigate the nuanced scopes of CCRL and AASHTO re:source, addressing why each offers these services and how customer demand has fostered an overlap. Explore the essentials of profi…

Unlock the secrets of effective laboratory monitoring with insights from Greg Uherek, Manager of Business Development and Technical Services. Greg sheds light on the specifier feature of the AASHTO re:source website, a game-changer for agencies that require AASHTO Accreditation like DOTs and California's Division of the State Architect. Journey thr…

What's the secret to engaging volunteers and fostering a supportive, inclusive committee environment? Find out as we welcome Matt Linneman, Chief Engineer for North Dakota DOT and Chair of the Committee on Materials and Pavements (COMP), along with AASHTO liaison Casey Soneira. We discuss effective volunteer engagement, from creating psychological …

Ever wondered how and why a new proficiency sample scheme was created? Special guests John Malusky and Ryan LaQuay join hosts Brian Johnson and Kim Swanson to reveal the meticulous planning process behind the Hamburg Wheel Tracking samples, a groundbreaking addition to AASHTO re:source's Proficiency Sample Program. Hear firsthand accounts of the lo…

Transform your organization's approach to quality with Benjamin's strategies for engaging and empowering the workforce. Empowering employees with responsibility and capability at the ground level can operationalize quality, ensuring that processes like equipment maintenance and accurate data reporting are meticulously followed. Benjamin shares how …

This episode reveals laboratories' most common pitfalls with implementing AASHTO R 18, such as calibration record-keeping, training and competency evaluation, and internal audits. Learn how to sidestep these issues by implementing robust quality management practices. Listen in to transform your laboratory practices and get tips to move beyond stand…

What if your organization could lead a quality management revolution? Join us as we explore AASHTO re:source's roadmap for 2024 to 2027 with Bob Lutz, the Director of AASHTO re:source. Bob shares the inspiration and process behind this ambitious strategy, which aims to transform the construction materials, testing, and inspection industry. Learn ho…

Curious about what’s in store for this season? Get ready for an array of compelling topics covering common findings in standards like R18, new proficiency sample programs, and essential equipment maintenance tips. This episode kicks off with a promise of enriched content quality, a new bi-weekly release schedule, and a sneak peek into potential vid…

We share some of the highlights from this past season and explain why we take a break in March and April (spoiler, it's because of the AASHTO re:source Technical Exchange). Related information: AASHTO re:source Events The Stream by AASHTO: A Conversation with AASHTO President, Craig Thompson S4 E05: Paving with Recycled Plastic - Hawaii's Pilot Pro…

We share the audio from January 2024's webinar "A Behind-the-scenes Look at Assessment Scheduling." Related informaiton: AASHTO re:university Webinar Series: A Behind-the-scenes Look at Assessment Scheduling http://aashtoresource.org/lap Send us a text Have questions, comments, or want to be a guest on an upcoming episode? Email podcast@aashtoresou…

Get a high-level overview of why a laboratory's AASHTO Accreditation is not an "umbrella" accreditation that extends to other locations. Related information: S1 E13: FAQ - Mobile Lab Accreditation S1 E16: Understanding Technician Certification Requirements S1 E35: FAQ - AASHTO Accreditation Directory S1 E37: FAQ - Multi-Site and Off-Site Personnel …

We go through Brian's inbox to answer some of the questions he's been asked recently. Related information: S3 E17: From the Cutting Room Floor - Consensus Standards S2 E19: FAQ - Refusal of Service S1 E39: FAQ - Policy for New Lab Internal Audits and Management Reviews S1 E31: FAQ - How long does it take to get accredited? AASHTO re:university Webi…

How familiar are you with fine and coarse aggregate specific gravity tests? Does your knowledge surpass Kim's? It's not difficult, but find out as we discuss some of the most common nonconformities for AASHTO T 84/ASTM C128 and AASTHO T 85/ASTM C127. Related information: Common Findings In Aggregate Testing S4 E34: Common Findings in Aggregate Test…

Have Kim's guesses of common nonconformities improved as we move along in this series? Find out how she does as we discuss some of the most common nonconformities during aggregate testing in regards to general equipment, AASHTO T 11/ASTM C117 and AASHTO T 27/ASTM C136. Related information: S4 E32: Common Findings in Concrete Assessments: ASTM C138,…

While the policy on how to publicize your AASHTO Accreditation hasn't really changed, how it is being enforced recently did. We discuss what this means for AASHTO Accredited laboratories. Related informaiton: AASHTO Accreditation Policy on Publicizing Accreditation S2 E07: FAQ - Publicizing AASHTO Accreditation AASHTO Accreditation Directory False …

In this "Common Findings" episode, we continue with the concrete series and discuss ASTM C138, C172, C173, C231, C617, and C1231. As a refresher, in this series, Kim blindly tries to guess some of the most common nonconformities in concrete assessment reports, and then Brian shares the actual findings and some possible ways to resolve them. Related…

John, Ryan, and Joe join us once again, this time to discuss the recent Performance Graded Asphalt Binder, Viscosity Graded Asphalt Cement, and Slurry and Micro Systems samples. Related information: S4 E27: November PSP Insights - Unmodified Emulsified Asphalt and Paint S4 E20: October PSP Insights - Aggregate Gradation and Gravity S4 E14: August P…

Learn who, what, where, why, and when we can share specific customer information. Related information: AASHTO re:source Policy on Confidentiality S2 E28: FAQ - Mail Call! S2 E15: What is the ATG? S1 E35: FAQ - AASHTO Accreditation Directory Send us a text Have questions, comments, or want to be a guest on an upcoming episode? Email podcast@aashtore…

Continuing the "Common Findings" series, with no context, Kim guesses the most common nonconformity in concrete assessment reports for ASTM C31, C39, C78, and C511. Then Brian shares a few of the real common findings for those standards and some general tips on how to resolve them. Related information: Common Findings in Concrete Assessments - ASTM…

We are giving listeners a sneak peek into the planning of the 2024 AASHTO re:source Technical Exchange and sharing details about what they can expect from this unique industry event. Related information: aashtoresource.org/events Send us a text Have questions, comments, or want to be a guest on an upcoming episode? Email podcast@aashtoresource.org.…

John and Joe join us to discuss the most recent Unmodified Emulsified Asphalt and Paint sample rounds. Related Information: S3 E30 November PSP Insights (2022) http://aashtoresource.org/psp/schedule http://aashtoresource.org/psp/reports http://aashtoresource.org/psp/sample-round-analysis Send us a text Have questions, comments, or want to be a gues…

In this "Family Feud" type episode, Kim tries to guess the most common nonconformity in concrete assessment reports for ASTM C1077. Then Brian shares a few of the real common findings for that standard and some general tips on how to resolve them. Related information: Common Findings in Concrete Assessments - ASTM C1077 companion document How to Re…

We look into the AASHTO Accreditation Program's recent internal audit to share insights as to how the process has added value to the program and organization. Related Information S4 E24: The Value of Internal Audits - Part 1 February 2023 Webinar - Internal Audits: What's the Point? S3 E7: Internal Audits - Back to Basics S3 E3: Internal Audit Awar…

We are joined by AASHTO re:source Quality Manager, Tracy Barnhart to cover some of the basics of conducting an internal audit and how the process is valuable to individuals and organizations. Related Information February 2023 Webinar - Internal Audits: What's the Point? S3 E7: Internal Audits - Back to Basics S3 E3: Internal Audit Awareness Month -…

We share audio from the October 19, 2023 webinar Benefits of a Corporate Quality Management System (QMS) Review. Senior Quality Analyst, Trudy Eckstine covers the basics of if an AASHTO re:source corporate QMS review is right for your laboratory. Related information: Complete Webinar Recording: https://youtu.be/odHZLzSJhSI?si=K7Wo4R65mvxajldW Polic…

We share 8 brainstorming questions to help you set more effective goals and discuss how these questions would be tweaked based on if you are setting personal or professional/organizational goals. Related information: S4 E21: Soft Skills: Goal Setting Part 1 S4 E10: Soft Skills: Dealing with Stress S3 E18: Soft Skills: Authentic Networking Send us a…

We discuss the basics of personal and professional goal setting (including SMART, HARD, and DUMB goals), as well as the role personal and organizational values play in creating effective goals. Related information: S4 E10: Soft Skills: Dealing with Stress S3 E18: Soft Skills: Authentic Networking Send us a text Have questions, comments, or want to …

John Malusky and Ryan LaQuay from the Proficiency Sample Program (PSP) join us to discuss the results of the recent Aggregate Gradation and Gravity samples 3 and 4. Plus, share in our excitement as we discover the benefits of using slide lock bags in the PSP packaging process. Related information: S4 E14: S4 E14: August PSP Insights - Polymer-Modif…

We want your feedback! Head over to the AASHTO re:source LinkedIn page and answer the current poll. We want to know what types of podcast episodes you want to hear more of in the future. Send us a text Have questions, comments, or want to be a guest on an upcoming episode? Email podcast@aashtoresource.org. Related information on this and other epis…

Some people call them gigs, docks, dings, notes, or deficiencies. CCRL calls them footnotes. AASHTO re:source calls them findings and classifies findings into 2 categories: observations and nonconformities. We learn the differences and discuss some best practices on how to resolve them. Related Information: How to Resolve AASHTO re:source and CCRL …

We learn how, and why changes are made to the AASHTO re:source Proficiency Sample Program. Plus get a sneak peek at some potential changes coming soon. Related information: S4 E13: August PSP Insights - Gyratory aashtoresource.org/psp Send us a text Have questions, comments, or want to be a guest on an upcoming episode? Email podcast@aashtoresource…

Craig Wieden, from Colorado DOT, joins us to discuss Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) and shares insights into implementing EPD requirements for material used in projects throughout the state. Related information: https://www.codot.gov/business/designsupport/materials-and-geotechnical/epd https://www.asphaltpavement.org/programs/napa-progr…

Brian Pfeifer and Brian Hill from the Illinois DOT, join us to talk about developing a balanced mix design program in their state. Related information: Testing Protocols to Ensure Performance of High Asphalt Binder Replacement Mixes Using RAP and RAS Development of Long-Term Aging Protocol for Implementation of the Illinois Flexibility Index Test (…

Yes. Another PSP Insights episode this month. We dive into the Polymer-Modified Emulsified Asphalt sample round results and the lessons learned after this first round. Related information: S4 E13: August PSP Insights - Gyratory S4 E 12: August PSP Insights - Marshall and Hveem I Received A Low PSP Score, What Next? Send us a text Have questions, co…

We get insights into the Asphalt Mixture Gyratory 55/56 sample rounds and share some tips to avoid common issues labs may encounter when running these tests. Related information: S4 E12: August PSP Insights - Marshall and Hveem Unboxing AASHTO re:source Proficiency Sample: Asphalt Mixtures Gyratory Design - HMG 55-56 I Received A Low PSP Score, Wha…

John, Ryan, and Joe are back to discuss the most recent Asphalt Mixture Marshall and Hveem proficiency samples. This was the first year the Hveem sample was separated by compaction method - what does that mean for your lab, and what did we learn? Related information: Changes to the Asphalt Mixture Hveem Design Samples Francis Hveem Testing the Limi…

Sonya Puterbaugh, Laboratory Assessment Program Director, gives us a behind-the-scenes look at how her team schedules assessments for over 2,000 laboratories. Plus, she answers the question "Can we always have our assessment in the off-season?" Related information: S1 E07: FAQ - What happens after an assessment? S1 E21: FAQ - Who needs to be presen…

We get up close and personal in the episode, sharing some of our recent experiences with stress and our go-to coping strategies. While we're no experts, hopefully, we can give you some tips on how you can deal with stress (or at least you can learn from our mistakes). Send us a text Have questions, comments, or want to be a guest on an upcoming epi…

The outgoing Director of CMRL, Steve Lenker, joins us to discuss his career and some lessons he's learned along the way. Plus, Brian shares some of the lessons he's learned from Steve. Related information: AASHTO re:source and CCRL: Two Organizations, One Mission Send us a text Have questions, comments, or want to be a guest on an upcoming episode?…

We are deep into the weeds in this episode, discussing false claims of accreditation process and how to use the AASHTO Accreditation logo correctly. Related information: AASHTO Accreditation Policy and Guidance on False Claims of Accreditation AASHTO Accreditation Policy and Guidance on Refusal of Service AASHTO Accreditation Policy on Publicizing …

We are joined by Siv Sundaram and Bryce Hanlon with the Oklahoma DOT to learn about how their geotechnical investigation processes are evolving. Related information: https://oklahoma.gov/odot.html https://transportation.org/materials/ Send us a text Have questions, comments, or want to be a guest on an upcoming episode? Email podcast@aashtoresource…

John, Ryan, and Joe are back again. This time to discuss the most recent Viscosity Graded Asphalt Cement and Performance Graded Asphalt Binder proficiency sample rounds and results. We also dive into why the samples are shipped twice a year and what happens to all of the optional data that is collected. Related information: S4 E03: May PSP Insights…

In the final part of this series, talk with Dr. Jennifer Lynch, Co-Director at the Center for Marine Debris Research to get some insight on this plastics issue. Related Information S4 E1: Paving with Recycled Plastic – Hawaii’s Pilot Project - Part 1 S4 E2: Paving with Recycled Plastic – Hawaii’s Pilot Project - Part 2 S4 E4: Paving with Recycled P…

In part 3 of our series, we talk with Jon Young from the Hawaii Asphalt Paving Industry to take a look at the project from his perspective. Related Information S4 E1: Paving with Recycled Plastic – Hawaii’s Pilot Project - Part 1 S4 E2: Paving with Recycled Plastic – Hawaii’s Pilot Project - Part 2 http://hawaiiasphalt.org/ http://hawaiiasphalt.org…

We discuss the results for the most recent soil proficiency samples, including Soil Classification and Compaction, Soil California Bearing Ratio, and Soil Resistance R-Value. Related information: S3 E30: November PSP Insights S3 E23: September PSP Insights S3 E15: July PSP Insights S3 E06: Digging into Soil Classification and Compaction Samples 185…

In part 2 of our series, we talk with Hawaii DOT's Mel Chung and Kristi Grilho, to go deeper into the testing involved in this project. Related Information S4 E1: Paving with Recycled Plastic – Hawaii’s Pilot Project - Part 1 S3 E40: From the Cutting Room Floor - Questions from a DOT Send us a text Have questions, comments, or want to be a guest on…

We kick off a four-part series on Hawaii DOT's effort to use locally recycled plastic in their asphalt pavements. In Part 1, we are joined by Ed Sniffen, Director of Hawaii DOT to get some background on this project. Related information: AASHTO Journal article: Hawaii DOT Wants Waste to Hit the Road S3 E39: Hawaii DOT - Planning for Resilience S3 E…

In our last episode this season, we take a look back over some of our favorite moments and share a little bit about what to expect in season 4. Will it include more Shakespeare references? Listen to find out! Season 4 starts in May 2023. Email podcast@aashtoresource.org to let us know where you listen from and to suggest a topic for an upcoming epi…